As a personal assistant, your most important training will come directly from your employer. Your employer has probably had several personal assistants, and knows the best way to do things in their own situation. In addition, many people who hire personal assistants have had their own training in how to hire, supervise and teach personal assistants.

Certain training courses may be required for some jobs, and sometimes these are provided by your employer. For example, your employer may be required to send you to a course on how to safely avoid spreading illness and infections through contact with bodily fluids.

The following links provide information about additional training that can build on your existing skills and make your career as a personal assistant an ongoing success.

• Personal Care Assistant training programs are available for people interested in working for a home care agency. Information about PCA training programs approved by the Maine Bureau of Elder and Adult Services is also available by calling (800) 262-2232.
  http://www.state.me.us/dhs/beas/pca_training.htm
• The Center for Learning works with Maine BDS to provide training for people who work with people with disabilities.
  http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/cfl
• The State of Maine's Behavioral and Developmental Services (BDS) has links to a range of training resources for personal assistant services workers. BDS pays for personal assistant services to people with developmental disabilities, mental retardation or mental illness.
  http://www.maine.gov/bds/Training/Statewide.htm
• Saco River Education provides an on-line training and management tool.
  http://www.sacorivereducation.com/
• Alpha One is Maine’s Independent Living Center and has information about training for both employers and personal assistants.
  http://www.alpha-one.org
• OHI, a non-profit organization serving people with mental illness, mental retardation and developmental disabilities, has training opportunities listed on their website.
  http://www.ohimaine.org/professional_development.html